ISLAMABAD: Prime minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday expressed the hope that the work on multi-billion dollargas pipelines from Turkmenistan and Iran will start at the earliest, which will open doors of prosperity and development for people living in this region.
Addressing Oil and Gas Conference here, the prime minister said in view of the fact that energy security remains vital to progress and development, our government has been working with a vision to meet Pakistan's growing domestic energy requirements over the short, medium and long term.
"We are also working to leverage our potential to become a main energy artery of the region. Pakistan enjoys a pivotal position at the crossroads of three vital regions of the world - South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia. No other country is strategically better located than Pakistan to become a safe and short energy supply corridor," he held.
The premier said today one of the biggest global challenges that humanity faces is how to meet the rapidly growing energy demand, which is crucial for sustaining our progress and development. Soaring energy consumption, coupled with high oil prices, has compounded this challenge. Energy consumption in the developing world is roughly growing at double the global average rate. It is estimated to rise by more than 100 percent by 2020 from the existing levels.
In our regional context, he said consistent high economic growth in Pakistan, India and China is spurring an unprecedented energy demand. We, therefore, need to exploit all available resources of commercially viable energy - both domestically as well as from abroad - and demonstrate a greater commitment to energy efficiency and conservation.
The prime minister said the energy requirements of Pakistan itself are rising sharply on the back of increased economic activity and growth, which has been in the region of 6 to 8% in the last few years.
"We hope to sustain this level of economic growth. However, we need to ensure that our energy supplies keep pace with the rising economic activity. Pakistan's energy demand is set to increase by 8 to 10 percent annually. By 2020, our primary energy needs are likely to more than double to 177 million TOE (Tonnes of Oil Equivalent) from today's 58 million TOE," he maintained.
He added: "We are meeting a major portion of our commercial energy needs from domestic resources and the gap is being filled through import of petroleum products.
To ensure that our energy supplies continue to support economic growth, the premier said our government on the one hand is targeting to enhance the local production of hydrocarbons through increased exploration and on the other hand aiming to materialize plans for the import of natural gas from Iran and Central Asia.
To meet the growing demands of power plants / IPPs and industrial consumers, additional gas supply is being arranged through import of LNG (350 - 500 mmcfd). Our Government has also approved LPG Policy 2006 which envisages continuation of deregulation and fixing of LPG prices by companies on a competitive basis. An investment of Rs. 9 billion has already been made so far in this sector. There is a big market in Pakistan where LPG would be used as a preferred domestic fuel.
Today one of the biggest global challenges that humanity faces is how to meet the rapidly growing energy demand, which is crucial for sustaining our progress and development. Soaring energy consumption, coupled with high oil prices, has compounded this challenge. Energy consumption in the developing world is roughly growing at double the global average rate. It is estimated to rise by more than 100 percent by 2020 from the existing levels.
The premier went on to say that Pakistan has constructed a new deep-sea port at Gwadar which has the potential of providing an outlet to Central Asian oil and gas for consumption in other countries of Asia. We are encouraging construction of oil refineries and large-scale storage of petroleum products in Gwadar.
"A Mega-Refinery is being set up at Khalifah-Point. Our government is providing all the necessary incentives, regulatory framework and infrastructure facilities in Gwadar to ensure that it becomes one of the key regional ports and economic hubs in the shortest span of time," he held.
We are trying to diversify the sources of energy and maximize output from hydro-power and other alternate energy sources including solar, wind, bio-gas and bio-diesel. Our government is also actively planning to launch major coal-based power projects, especially in Sindh province, where we have large deposits of coal. Import of electricity from Iran and Central Asia is also under process. We have a large piped gas network in our country. Our vision is to improve technologies that can help make all energy resources compatible with an efficient market and help us ensure a clean environment.
He also said that the promotion of clean fuels is essential to stop environmental degeneration and to curtail the emission of poisonous gases in the atmosphere. Environmental preservation remains high on our agenda.
"In order to improve the specifications of petroleum products in line with international standards and introduce environment-friendly fuels, we have taken various steps. Mono Grade 87 Octane Motor Gasoline has been introduced throughout the country, which has eliminated the menace of adulteration. Unleaded Gasoline has also been introduced. All refineries have been advised to install desulphurization plants and commence production of Euro-III standard HSD with effect from 1st January, 2008," he noted.
The premier said Pakistan is one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment in the oil and gas sector. The foreign companies, which operate in Pakistan, have expanded rapidly. This should give confidence to other investors who can avail the opportunities available here.
"We seek more and more partnerships with international oil and gas exploration and production companies. In the 21st century, public-private partnership offers the main business model that is now central to any successful strategy at a time when exploration has become a high-stake venture. Partnerships between Pakistani and international companies are already bringing latest, cutting-edge technology. They are also providing invaluable services in human resource development. The government will continue to encourage this trend," he held.
The sound energy management and application of new environmental technology, he said is not just discovering and exploiting new energy resources, but also protecting and using them judiciously. This is imperative to protect our environment and sustain the pace of progress and development for our present and future generations. | 
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